How To Plan A Carnival Trip
Ultra Carnival St. Kitts
One of the favourite travel trips I love to take is carnival trips. Carnival is the love of my life, and there is no other fun vibe then jumping in a band for carnival. Luckily for us, there are carnivals all over the Caribbean, with each island having its unique touch to it, which makes the experience even better.
I just came back from St. Kitts Carnival (Sugar Mas 48) and one question I always received when I came back was, “how did you plan everything?” or “where did you start?” So I figured why not help everyone out as much as possible.
Booking Flights
Depending on where you're going, you will be flying into an island or country that's having the carnival. A great rule of thumb I always advise is to plan early. A lot of the airline companies are catching on to the hype of carnivals and are raising their prices due to the demand.
My rule of thumb is book at least 3-6 months in advance if you know for sure that you're going to a carnival for sure. Take a look at the prices and see how much on average; it will be to get to your destination. Don't take too long to book, or those prices can jump in a blink of an eye.
Note: There are many sites around that can monitor flights for you.
Accommodations
An essential factor you want to keep in mind when booking your stay for carnivals is LOCATION. Make sure to do your research; you don't want to book a place that will be far from all the activities and the parade itself.
For example, I'm going to St.Lucia for carnival, and before I started looking for places, I made sure to research where all the events and parades will be. I found out that to be close to everything; I have to be in a town called Rodney Bay. As soon as I found that out, I started to look in that area and made sure that I booked my stay in that area.
If you're going with a group of friends, I recommend renting a house from Airbnb or Vrbo. In the Caribbean, short term rental is on the rise and its usually possible to find a place that can sleep, 4-6 people. You don't need anything too fancy, just a place to rest when required because if you're in the Caribbean for carnival, just know it's going to be non stop fete after fete.
Carnival Costumes
Your costume is one of the essential keys to having an excellent carnival experience. It is always good to do your research on who you plan to play Mas with. There are a lot of people coming out with bands these days and not providing what they promised and run away with your money. So always do your research and ask questions.
When I choose a band to play with, I'm usually not that picky, but I still pay attention to what locals have to say. I'm always looking for the band with the most vibes on the road and still can be reliable with decent customer service when needed. Depending on which island your playing Mas in, it's essential not to procrastinate on dropping your deposits on costumes because next thing you know, they can sell out in a heartbeat.
A lot of these bands allow you to pay a deposit so you can pay the remaining when due. Take advantage of this option if you don't have the funds to pay your costume in full. At least you know that your spot is secured.
NOTE: Where ever you choose to play with for carnival costumes can range from $400 to $2000 depending on if you decide to play frontline/backline or if you get extra pieces. When playing Mas, usually getting drinks and food is a standard no matter where you go in the Caribbean for carnival.
Jouvert
Depending on which island you're visiting Jouvert can be a few days before or the same night as the grand parade. When playing Jouvert, you can play with different Jouvert bands. A lot of these bands have sections that you can participate in. A lot of these bands provide outfits, cups, random goodies for the road and all you can drink bar for your section plus much more.
NOTE: Note: Depending on where ever you go, a Jouvert package can range from $150-300. It's great to choose who you'd like to play with as early as possible so you can take advantage of the early bird prices. Along with the amazing experience, you will receive food and drinks on the road.
Jouvert in St. Kitts With Chattabox Jouvert
Fetes (Parties)
What's a carnival without the fetes? I love the fetes almost as much as the carnival parade. No matter where you're in the Caribbean, there will always be fetes before the carnival parade. There are so many different types of fetes for the carnival. here are the most common type of fetes you'll find
-Wet fetes (my favourite!)
-Paint and powder fetes
-Boat rides
-All-inclusive fetes (Drink and Food)
-Daybreak fetes
-Concert (fetes)
and so much more.
The options are unending! One thing to know about fetes is that they can sell out just like carnival costumes do, especially if its a boat ride, all-inclusive fete or a highly anticipated event, so it's essential to make sure you get your tickets early bird or at least advance sale.
Note: Fetes can range from $40-150 its always great go to fetes that will provide an experience. I also recommend buying tickets early to catch the early bird pricing.
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Getting Around
When you arrive at your destination, one thing I learned is that its good to hire a set driver. You can meet them at the airport or if you know someone that knows someone even better. Work a fixed price that works for you and the driver, and you will save time and money in the long run if you have a set driver to pick you up and drop you off to all events.
Carnival Packages
There are many carnival concierges services that are coming out that provides services to help your carnival experience very special. They help you with booking accommodations, costumes, Jourvet packages, fete tickets and transportation. They help with the planning of your carnival experience. All you have to do is book your flight and show up at the airport, and they will take care of the rest. This service is excellent if your new to carnival travels, or you honestly don't want to do any of the planning.
Note: When choosing a concierge service, do your research and make sure that the company is reputable and has experience in these services. Usually, a package can range from $1500-2500 depending on what exactly you want (costume, parties, Jouvert, flight etc). A lot of them allow monthly payments after a deposit is received. This is a great way to do a carnival without much of the planning.
Conclusion
There you have it! Those are the basic need to knows when it comes to planning your carnival travels. My name is Andre Lapsey and I’m a travel planner that specializes in carnival planning. If you need help with planning your trip, please feel free to contact me at thehighjourney@thehighjourney.com or send me a message on Instagram @travelwithpapi. Safe travels, you all see you on the road!
